Newcastle men face jail sentence for burglary

Newcastle men face jail sentence for burglary

23 December 2015

TWO Newcastle men who burgled a shop in the town are appealing prison sentences imposed at Downpatrick Court on Thursday.

Raymond Kelly (26) and Stephen Kelly (20), both of Burrendale Park Road, were released on bail to appeal their jail terms at a higher court.

Raymond Kelly, who has 85 convictions including four for burglary, was jailed for eight months and Stephen Kelly for three months. Both had received suspended sentences the week before committing this burglary.

On November 19, shortly before midnight, a member of the public reported that the Glamorous Boutique on Main Street, Newcastle, had been broken into. Six watches valued at £233, £75 in cash and an unknown amount of costume jewellery was taken.

Forensic work by crime scene investigators was subsequently carried out at the scene.

Shortly afterwards Stephen Kelly phoned police and said Raymond Kelly felt scared to return home. Raymond Kelly then said his door had been kicked in.

Information regarding the earlier burglary was becoming apparent to police and officers arrested the pair, noticing an injury to Stephen Kelly.

The court heard that the Kellys attempted to return the watches to the store but that they were broken.

At Thursday’s hearing Raymond Kelly was also being sentenced for attempting to smash a window at Superdrug in Newcastle in the early hours of June 11 last year.

Lawyers for both men appealed to the judge to offer an alternative to custody.

Representing Raymond Kelly, barrister Paul McAlinden said his offending was “all to do with alcoholism” and referred to the contents of his Probation report.

“The report says what a terrible upbringing he has had,” the barrister said. “It is so, so sad.

“He has been plagued by an alcohol addiction. He has got no help for this whatsoever.”

But District Judge Greg McCourt replied: “You go to your doctor, you go to AA, it is down to you. It is a week after a suspended sentence.”

He added: “If I don’t send your client to prison today I can tell the shopkeepers in Newcastle, be prepared to be burgled today because he is addicted to alcohol.

“He has just had his last chance.”

Speaking on behalf of Stephen Kelly, solicitor Joe Mulholland said: “He has never had a chance to get help with anything. He has had a horrendous background. He is a very vulnerable young man.”

Mr McCourt acknowledged that Stephen Kelly had much less on his criminal record.

To Raymond Kelly he said: “I know you have had a very difficult upbringing but you must learn your lesson.”

Bail of £500 was fixed for appeal in both cases.